September 27, 2024
The military junta, led by Min Aung Hlaing, has extended an invitation to Ethnic Armed Organizations (EROs) and People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) to lay down their arms and resolve the ongoing conflict through political dialogue, according to a statement released through their propaganda media outlets on the evening of September 26.
However, political analysts doubt that ethnic armed groups and revolutionary forces will accept the junta’s offer, citing a lack of trust in the military government. Many resistance groups view the junta’s promises with skepticism, especially since the military, led by Min Aung Hlaing, broke its own peace agreements after the 2021 coup.
The statement from Min Aung Hlaing reads: “In order to achieve lasting peace and development in collaboration with the people, we invite ethnic armed groups, terrorist groups, and terrorist PDF groups to abandon their armed resistance. We offer the opportunity to resolve political issues through political means, whether through party politics or elections.”
Although Min Aung Hlaing emphasizes that political problems should be resolved through politics, MNDAA (Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army) recently issued a statement calling for a ceasefire and mediation from China, only to be bombed by junta forces three times in one week.
The Chinese government and ASEAN have also pressured the junta to meet with public leaders, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and revolutionary forces to organize an inclusive election process that addresses all parties’ concerns.
Additionally, the junta announced a second amendment to the Counter-Terrorism Law, further tightening its grip on opposition forces.
